The Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina end on Sunday (February 22, 2026). Two weeks full of successes, tears and incredible stories.

Reason enough for Felix Neureuther (41) to draw a conclusion about these games in Italy – and also to take a tough stance against German competitive sport!

Felix Neureuther: “Fascinating, touching, alarming”

“So that was it, the games in Milan and Cortina. They were fascinating, they were touching, but also alarming,” the ARD expert began his conclusion in the “Sportschau”.

He was most impressed by the gold medal winners Franjo von Allmen (three golds in alpine skiing) and Federica Brignone (two golds in alpine skiing).

Neureuther continued: “I was most touched by those who didn’t make it, but had the courage to try anyway. And would do it again and again. Lindsey Vonn and Lena Dürr.”

Vonn still took part in the Winter Games despite suffering a torn cruciate ligament at the beginning of February. However, she suffered a horrific injury when she fell on the descent. The German Lena Dürr was in second place in the slalom after the first round and practically already had one hand on a medal. In the second round, however, she already scored at the first goal – the dream was suddenly shattered!

Neureuther’s tough reckoning: “It just doesn’t matter anymore”

However, the possible precious metal for Dürr would have only slightly improved Germany’s medal tally from the 2026 Olympics. One day before the end of the games, Germany is only in fifth place in the medal table, the DOSB’s goal was to finish in the top 3.

Neureuther’s tough reckoning: “For me personally, what’s really alarming is the situation in German competitive sports. If you exclude the ice track and look at the medal table, then we simply no longer play an international role.”

Neureuther’s appeal to politics and society

For the ex-professional, a lot needs to be done in the training of German talent. Both in associations, in society and in politics.

“The crucial question is: What significance does sport still have in our society? In our education system, in our support system and in the structure. For me, these are exactly the points where we should start. We definitely have to start with the children. Sport is not only healthy, sport is also fun.”

By Tobias Schrader (tsc)